EP 240 Running Retreats as a Couple: Behind the Scenes at Blisstopia Retreats with Mark and Lana Royce
Release Date: 09/18/2025
EP 256 Building Pilates Retreats in Europe: Creativity, Logistics, and Expansion with Bessie Refalo
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo, a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe. Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machines and the creative solutions she’s used to make her retreats possible. From transporting reformers by lorry in Portugal to discovering bespoke studios in Italy, this conversation is a masterclass in...
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EP 255 Building a Soul-Led Retreat Business While Working Full-Time with Amy Jaggers
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Amy Jaggers, a coach and retreat leader who is building a soul-led retreat business while still working full-time. Amy shares how she helps professionals step off autopilot and reconnect with balance, clarity, and purpose through meditation, mindfulness practices, retreats, and wellbeing circles. She opens up about what it really looks like to grow a retreat business alongside a demanding career — including boundaries, time management, and integrating her “soul work” into her corporate role. Together, Shannon and Amy...
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EP 254 How to Make Your Retreat a Signature Brand Asset Instead of a One-Off Event
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Many retreat leaders are stuck running one-off retreats - constantly reinventing the wheel, hustling for new sign-ups, and exhausting themselves with fresh marketing every time. But the smartest, most sustainable retreat businesses? They build signature retreats that become a recognizable, in-demand part of their brand. In this episode, Shannon breaks down how to turn your retreat into a powerful brand asset that builds loyalty, grows every year, and creates recurring revenue through alumni and long-term client pathways. You’ll learn how to create a retreat theme people return to annually,...
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EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Everything you put into the world is doing something. Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid: if you’re not repelling anyone, you’re probably being too generic. Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attracts the right people while filtering out the wrong ones. Shannon explains why repelling misaligned guests isn’t a flaw, it’s a leadership skill, and how trying to please everyone leads to...
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EP 252 Ethical Marketing, Outsourcing, and Building Trust in Business with Dawni Baxter
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dawni Baxter — founder of a boutique marketing agency and a multi-passionate entrepreneur leading the movement in ethical, human-first marketing. Dawni brings a refreshing perspective to an industry filled with noise, inflated promises, and confusing pricing structures. Together, Shannon and Dawni dive into: ✨ How to navigate marketing relationships with confidence ✨ Why transparency and trust are the backbone of ethical marketing ✨ What to look for (and avoid) when hiring a marketing agency or contractor ✨ The power of outsourcing — even...
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EP 251 Stop Discounting Your Retreats: The Damage It Causes & What to Do Instead
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make: discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly why discounting is harmful, what it communicates to potential guests, and better alternatives like early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and smart payment options. She also unpacks the real reason...
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EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Kim DeMoss - Retreat Ranch’s Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it’s really like to experience retreats from both sides: hosting and supporting. From her early days hosting retreats with Shannon to now managing the logistics behind the scenes, Kim shares candid insights on burnout, boundaries, work-life balance, and how she found her groove in the retreat industry. They also dive into the digital...
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EP 249 If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Trying Hard Enough
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear: failure isn’t the enemy - it’s proof that you’re in the game. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why “falling short” - whether it’s your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to learn from. You can hire the best coach, join the smartest program, and learn from the pros… and you’ll still make mistakes. The difference? You’ll...
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EP 248 Why Retreat Leaders Who Don’t Evolve in AI + SEO Will Be Left Behind
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re still marketing your retreats like it’s 2022, you’re already behind. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail drops the truth about how the digital marketing landscape has shifted - and why AI integration isn’t optional anymore. From Google rewriting your meta descriptions to the rise of algorithmic visibility, the retreat industry is evolving fast. Shannon breaks down how retreat leaders can start using AI tools strategically - not just for blogs and social media, but to analyze data, personalize messaging, and scale visibility. She also gives a sneak peek at...
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EP 247 Redefining Tantra and Running a Profitable Retreat Business with Justin Gottlieb
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Justin Gottlieb - a sexual freedom coach, Tantra practitioner, and retreat host who transitioned from the corporate world to full-time facilitation. Together, they unpack what Tantra really is (and isn’t), how to maintain integrity in intimate retreat settings, and why it’s time for more men to step into leadership roles in the wellness and retreat space. Justin shares how he and his co-facilitator Leola create transformational retreats rooted in safety, consent, and empowerment - and how they’ve built a sustainable...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage).
Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation.
You’ll hear:
- Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust, clarity, and communication
- The pros and cons of living at your retreat property
- What makes a retreat center host different from a vacation rental owner
- Tips for thriving in a saturated retreat market
- A special offer just for podcast listeners
Mention this episode and get $500 off a 3-day retreat rental at Blisstopia Retreats!
Whether you host retreats solo, with a team, or dream of running your own retreat center, this convo will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how to lead with heart and strategy.
Connect with Mark and Lana: https://www.blisstopiaretreats.com/
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
- Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List
- Get your legal docs for retreats
Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!
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----------------- Timestamps:
Introducing the Guests: Mark & Loni (00:00:25) Host introduces Mark and Loni, a couple running a retreat business together. Loni’s Background & Entrepreneurial Journey (00:01:48) Loni shares her psychotherapy, wellness, and entrepreneurial background, and how she met Mark.
Mark’s Background & Transition to Retreats (00:03:28) Mark discusses his martial arts and coaching background, and their shift to retreats after the pandemic. Deciding to Open a Retreat Center (00:04:18) The couple describes the decision to sell everything and open a retreat center in Arizona.
Transition to Co-Facilitating Retreats (00:05:21) Discussion on how they began co-facilitating retreats and integrating their skills.
Why Retreats Over Other Wellness Businesses (00:05:56) Explaining the deeper impact of retreats compared to fitness or yoga classes.
Mark’s Growth & Their Yin-Yang Dynamic (00:06:57) Mark’s journey into yoga and breathwork, and the couple’s complementary energies.
Choosing & Setting Up Their Retreat Property (00:08:40) How they selected, purchased, and set up their Arizona retreat property.
Hosting Other Facilitators at Their Space (00:11:37) They welcome other retreat hosts and describe the support they provide.
On-Site Support & Services for Retreat Hosts (00:12:04) Details about their on-site help, meal services, and understanding retreat logistics.
Host’s London Event Promo (00:13:00) Brief promotion for the host’s upcoming retreat mastermind event in London.
Why Retreat Centers Are Preferred (00:13:41) Host explains the advantages of retreat centers over Airbnb/Vrbo for hosting retreats.
Challenges of Building & Planning as a Couple (00:14:55) Discussion about the challenges of planning and building a retreat space together.
Staying in Their Lanes & Defining Roles (00:15:19) How they maintain boundaries, respect, and trust by sticking to their strengths.
Industry Struggles & Oversaturation (00:17:06) Mark discusses industry oversaturation and the challenges of inexperienced hosts.
Struggles of Working as a Couple (00:19:03) The couple shares the realities of being together constantly and how they communicate.
Industry Growth & Differentiation (00:20:20) Host reflects on industry growth, competition, and the importance of differentiation.
Staying in Lanes: Host’s Personal Experience (00:24:29) Host shares her own experience working with her husband and the importance of defined roles.
Living On-Site: Pros & Cons (00:26:32) Discussion about the benefits and challenges of living at the retreat property.
Nature, Animals, and Sanctuary Vibes (00:27:10) Description of the property’s natural setting, animals, and peaceful atmosphere.
Being On-Site for Emergencies & Support (00:29:42) Anecdote about stepping in for a retreat host in need and the value of being on-site.
Host’s Perspective: Never Shutting Off (00:30:54) Host discusses the difficulty of separating work and home life when living on-site.
Mark’s Family Resort Experience (00:33:12) Mark relates his experience growing up around a family-run resort.
Constant Upkeep & Business Mindset (00:34:07) The ongoing nature of property maintenance and always being in business mode.
Special Offer for Listeners (00:35:20) Mark and Loni offer $500 off venue rental for podcast listeners.